Page:London spy, or, The frauds of London described (3).pdf/20

 making an incision with a knife or scissars, and letting out the contents into their hands without discovery, which they immediately deliver to their asscoiatesassociates [sic] without stirring from the place, to prevent detection.

Pickpockets do not confine themselves to London, but travel all over the country, to fairs and horse-races, and are to be met with on the stands, and in the booths to the experience of many gentlemen and others who have lost purses, watches, rings, and pocket-books, of which they never received any accounts. Pocket-book are only secure in the inside-pockets, and the coat buttoned. Watch chains should be run through a small loop, contrived for the purpose securing the watch in the fob, which many practise. But at these public places, it is necessary for all persons to be upon their guard, as they cannot be ignorant of the gentry they have amongst them, from the many loss sustained by them.